"Good morning, class," Miss Wilmot said, surveying the room with a warm smile. "I believe we met briefly yesterday, but since I haven't yet had the pleasure of learning all your names, let's start with introductions again. My name is Miss Wilmot, and I'm proud to represent the Leviathan faction."
Just as she was about to continue, a hand shot up, causing her to pause. "Eager to introduce yourself already, I see?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she turned to Marilyn.
"It's okay, we all know who your father is," Miss Wilmot said with a knowing smile, but her words had an unexpected effect. The other students burst out laughing, and Marilyn's face turned bright red with embarrassment.
Nadia's expression changed, and she snickered quietly at the teacher's comment, her restraint from laughing evident. Octavius couldn't help but notice that Nadia seemed to have a peculiar way of reacting, as if she struggled to fully express her emotions.
Marilyn, however, appeared unfazed by the laughter and teasing. Instead, she proceeded to speak up.
"I have a question, Miss Wilmot, that has nothing to do with introductions."
Miss Wilmot's expression turned stern, and she replied, "I believe it can wait until introductions are carried out. Please, drop your hand."
Marilyn slowly lowered her hand, her eyes never leaving Miss Wilmot's face, and waited patiently for the teacher to continue with the introductions.
With the introductions finally complete, Miss Wilmot had successfully committed the names of her ten students to memory: four females and six males. She turned to begin her lesson, but Marilyn's voice rang out once more, seeking her attention.
"Miss Wilmot, I'd like to ask my question now," Marilyn said, her hand raised mid-air.
Miss Wilmot turned to face her. "Yes?"
Marilyn stood up, her eyes locked on the teacher. "Why here?"
Miss Wilmot's expression turned perplexed. "However, do you mean?"
"I mean, you're from the prestigious Leviathan clan," Marilyn clarified. "Why choose to teach here, in this faction?"
Miss Wilmot's eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were anticipating criticism. "Are you saying I shouldn't have..." she began, but Marilyn quickly interrupted.
"No, no," Marilyn said, shaking her head and waving her hand in a calming gesture. "I'm just curious, that's all. I think we all had our hearts set on being in other factions, and I'm wondering what brought you here."
Seeing that Marilyn didn't mean any harm with her question, Miss Wilmot dropped the chalk she had picked up to start her lecture and sat down on the reserved table for teachers.
"It's not all roses over there," she began. "There's a standard of living that if you can't meet, you get looked down on or dismissed. I didn't attend school there, but when I offered to teach, the students were... less than welcoming. I had to quit. On my way out, I met the Architect mage, who seemed in need of a tutor, so I volunteered to help."
Miss Wilmot's gaze swept the room, her eyes locking onto each student. "I must tell you, you lot are the most efficient students I've met in my ten years of tutoring in this faction, and I'd like you to keep it that way. Not just within these walls, but also outside. You have to be united to make a stand. You'll face many hurdles, and you might be mocked, but always remember: 'A single arrow is easily broken, but a bundle of arrows is unbreakable.' Especially since you'll be participating in tournament sessions, where you'll be interacting with students from other factions."
She paused, her expression serious. "Those sessions are crucial, as they'll test your skills, strategy, and teamwork. So, let's make sure to maintain our unity and strength, both in and out of the classroom."
"Yes, Miss Wilmot," some of the students responded in unison. She smiled warmly at them, her eyes sparkling with approval, before proceeding with her lecture.
_______________
As soon as Miss Wilmot left the classroom, Erick stepped forward, trying to capture the attention of his fellow students. However, only a few glanced up at him, while the others continued to chat and socialize.
Erick tried again, this time raising his voice. "Listen up!" he yelled, and the room fell silent as all eyes turned to him. Some of his classmates looked at him quizzically, as if wondering what was wrong with him.
"I have some interesting news about today's tournament," Erick announced, and the room's atmosphere shifted. Students who had initially shown little interest now leaned forward, eager to hear more.
"They'll be selecting a small group of representatives from each faction to participate in a task," Erick explained. "While I don't have all the details, I do know that the other factions will be relying on their magical abilities. As for us, we'll be counting on our unique talents. But here's the thing: our opponents are likely to underestimate us, and that's exactly what we'll use to our advantage."
Erick's eyes scanned the room, locking onto Otto. "You, with the speed talent, will take on the 'Thread of Fate' challenge. You'll need to navigate a rope course that will test your agility and quick reflexes."
Erick pointed to Marilyn. "You're not going to be one of the four participants, but maybe you can help us in the background by disrupting their spell signs. That could give us an edge to win."
"No, that's cheating." She rebuffed.
Erick shrugged. "Surviving is winning. We can't afford to play by the rules if it means losing."
He turned to Ambrose, not giving Marilyn a chance to protest further. "You'll participate in the Thread of Fate challenge. Nadia, you'll take on the Labyrinth of Reflections. And I'll handle the Elemental Obstacle Course."
Erick's eyes scanned the room, ensuring everyone understood their roles. "Let's work together and make sure our faction comes out on top."